National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi has refused to name a prosecutor allegedly linked to criminal cartels. She was testifying before parliament’s ad hoc committee on Tuesday.
The committee is investigating claims of criminal activity in the justice system. Batohi stated that revealing the name would be irresponsible.
Batohi told members of parliament (MPs) that she received classified intelligence about the matter. This information suggested a concerted effort to compromise the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
She said it would be unfair to the person concerned to name them as the information has not yet been verified and naming the individual could destroy their reputation and life. This stance on the corrupt official drew criticism from some MPs.
The NDPP confirmed that the information came from National Commissioner Fannie Masemola and Crime Intelligence Head Dumisani Khumalo. She has since referred the matter to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (Idac) for a formal probe.
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Infiltration and organised crime
Batohi painted a grim picture of the state of the nation. She described feeling powerless while watching criminals take over the country. “The reality is that we are not winning the fight against organised crime in this country,” she said.
She noted that there have been concerted attempts to undermine her and the NPA. This has created an environment where prosecutors are unsure who to trust.
The allegations of a corrupt prosecutor stem from claims made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior police officials of colluding with criminal cartels.
Batohi emphasised that the NPA cannot have criminals within its own ranks. She stressed the need for solid intelligence and thorough investigations to tackle high-level crime effectively.
During her testimony, Batohi described her six-year tenure, which ends in January, as a “rollercoaster”. She was appointed to rebuild the NPA but has faced challenges. These include a lack of skills and capacity.
Despite the pressure from MPs, including calls for a closed session, Batohi maintained her refusal to name the allegedly corrupt official. She cited the potential risk to individuals, referencing a recent attack on an Idac investigator whose name was mentioned in parliament.
Image: National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi during the parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry at the Good Hope Chambers in Cape Town on 11 November 2025. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach
